I attended the first ever Fire Dash at the Portland International Raceway a few weeks ago and it was really fun. I had never been a part of a first ever race, so it was a little interesting. I got there an hour before my heat, which was recommended. I was a little shocked at what I saw. a mostly empty parking lot and staging area. There was a total of 6 tents, registration, 4 vendors (only one had food and drink) and a DJ. The Fire Dash people sent an email a few days before the race to give you your waivers and starting information. I should have known that it was going to be a small crowd when there were only two starting times.
But, none of that really mattered in the end, as it was all about the race. The race did start a little late as my 11:30 heat started a little after noon. From the Fire Dash website, the course was designed by fire fighters and it would put you through some of the issues that fire fighters have to go through. We get to race through or over a car, jump through a window (to get in or out of a house) jump over dirt hills that had water in between them (same place as the rugged maniac had it, so if wonder if this was left over?), a huge hill of tires that we had to climb over and a fireman carry.
For a first race, it was ok, but I would like to see more obstacles and a lot more FIRE. The only fire in the entire race was six tiki torches at the end directly next to the Ring of Fire, 4 propane flames pointed down at the racer as the crossed the finish line that looked more like gas fumes and not flames.
This is a great entry level obstacle course race if you want to get your feet wet in the OCR game.
